A group of Iranian women recited for the first time ever verses of the holy Quran in a religious program in Vatican city on Sunday, Tehran Times reported Thursday.

The recitation of the verses 35, 42, 43, 45 and 46 of Chapter III of the holy Quran, which was accompanied by traditional Iranian and Islamic music, was highly praised by the audience, who gathered in the Hall of Paolo VI in Vatican, the paper said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran to Italy Ambassador Ali Ahni, a number of Iranians residing in Rome and the ambassadors of Arab countries were also present at the program, which was organized on the occasion of birthday of Hazrat Zahraa, the daughter of Prophet Mohammad.

According to Sunni Muslims, it is prohibited to recite Quran accompanied by music. Besides, women are not allowed to read the holy book loudly in the presence of men - Albawaba.com